Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The San Miguel Beermen built a sizable 3-1 series lead in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup FInals matchup against Barangay Ginebra, 95-84, on Friday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Marcio Lassiter and JuneMar Fajardo led San Miguel with 20 markers.
The Beermen didn’t waste any time getting into the swing of things, going on a sizzling 11-0 run to start the contest.
By the end of the first half, San Miguel erected a 55-34 advantage behind 11 made three pointers.
Ginebra proceeded to mount a comeback in the second half, and came as close as 92-85 with under a minute left to play in the payoff period.
But late game lapses on the part of the Gin Kings doomed their efforts, as San Miguel took the win.
Joe Devance paced Ginebra with 22 points in a losing effort.
After the game, San Miguel head coach Leo Austria preached the importance of his team’s strong start in the game.
But now that they have the 3-1 series lead, Austria is wary that history may repeat itself again.
The San Miguel head tactician is keen on avoiding that.
“Hindi pa tapos before, dahil 0-3 nga kami before,” Austria said. “We’re facing a great coach, with a top team, supported by a great crowd.”
San Miguel could win the PBA Philippine Cup should they come out on top in Game 5 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
